What’s happening in Black Cincinnati in 2023 and 2024
Cincinnati African American Events this year.
Hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, reggae, gospel, old school, and symphony live-music concerts happening in Cincinnati in 2023
Black composers, plays, museum exhibits, comedy shows, concert series, operas, dance recitals, local music, and festivals in Cincinnati.
Black Cincinnatians can routinely and affordably enjoy the performing arts, fine arts, musicians, entertainers, comedians, program initiatives, and more. Arts and entertainment can help improve physical and mental health.
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See what’s happening in Black Cincinnati this week!
Feel free to submit an event to be considered in this article. All Cincinnati African American Events listed are as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.
2023 Cincinnati African American Events
Preservation Hall Jazz Band Creole Christmas
Jazz Performance
December 6, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Celebrate the season as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band returns with their Creole Christmas concert series. Attend as the National Medal of Arts-winning band performs New Orleans classics and some of the best-loved holiday selections with a twist.
Hot Chocolate
Dance Performance
December 1 – December 9
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Hot Chocolate is Cincinnati’s largest African-American Nutcracker experience, brought to life by Revolution Dance Theatre.
Jazz is Dead
Concert
December 5, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Jazz is Dead, the legacy All-Star instrumental ensemble, is famous for interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs with jazz influences.
Loose Ends
R&B Concert
December 6 and 7
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
See one of the most iconic R&B groups of the past few decades perform live featuring Jane Eugene.
The Sister Accord Foundation’s Fundraiser with En Vogue
Fundraiser Concert
December 13, 7 p.m.
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Don’t miss the award-winning group En Vogue in a special semi-private show at the intimate Jarson-Kaplan Theater, where they will perform in celebration of The Sister Accord®️ Foundation’s mission to have one billion girls and women learn how to love themselves and each other.
Exploring Black Women’s Economic Mobility Happy Hour
Educational Happy Hour
December 14, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Alloy Development Co. (Norwood)
Openly discuss and tackle the hurdles faced by Black women seeking upward mobility in Cincinnati’s job market or business ventures. Attendees can enjoy complimentary refreshments and wine.
Narnia the Musical
Musical
December 9 – December 17
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Narnia The Musical tells of four English schoolchildren – brothers and sisters – sent away from London during World War II to stay in the manor house of their uncle – who stumble upon (and through) a wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia.
Eric Darius
Jazz Concert
December 29, 8:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Eric Darius, the Billboard chart-topping saxophonist, songwriter, producer, and performer, is known for his smooth, soulful sound and crowd-captivating energy.
2024 Cincinnati African American Events
Najee
Jazz Concert
January 13, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Najee is a Grammy-nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning saxophonist performing for over 30 years. He is known for his smooth jazz sound and ability to blend jazz with other genres, such as R&B and funk.
An Evening with Branford Marsalis
Contemporary Concert
January 28, 8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of contemporary music’s most influential and revered figures.
Audra McDonald
Symphony Concert
February 4, 7:30 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Audra McDonald returns to the Music Hall stage for one night only after her sold-out performance with the Pops in 2018. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammys, an Emmy, and the National Medal of Arts, Audra is unparalleled in her versatility as both a singer and actor.
Charles White: A Little Higher
Art Exhibit
Through February 25
Cincinnati Art Museum (Mt Adams)
Charles White is widely recognized as one of the twentieth century’s most important and influential African-American artists. The exhibition explores the work of the Chicago-born artist and educator.
Alex Bugnon and Nelson Rangell
Jazz Concert
February 17, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Alex Bugnon and Nelson Rangell, two renowned jazz musicians, will perform live.
Cinderella
Play
February 17 – February 25
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm, and elegance.
August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned
Play
February 17 – March 10
Ensemble Theatre (OTR)
In this intimate one-person play, experience August Wilson’s first jobs, his first loves, a stint in jail, his encounters with racism, violence, and music, and how the people of Pittsburgh’s Hill District inspired his celebrated cycle of plays.
Queen Of The Night: A Tribute to Whitney Houston
Musical
March 17, 8 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Experience the ultimate tribute to the remarkable musical repertoire of Whitney Houston in an electrifying production that honors her timeless songs with sensational vocalists and a full live band.
Black Violin
Classical and Hip-Hop Concert
March 22, 7:30 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
For nearly two decades, Black Violin has been merging string arrangements with modern beats and vocals and building bridges in communities.
Avery*Sunshine
Concert
March 30, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Avery*Sunshine is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her eclectic style of music, which blends elements of jazz, soul, funk, and R&B.
Spyro Gyra
Jazz Concert
April 20, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Spyro Gyra is a Grammy-nominated jazz fusion band performing for over 40 years. The band is known for its eclectic mix of jazz, rock, pop, and world music influences.
Take 6
R&B Concert
April 25, 7:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Take 6, originally formed in 1990, is known for its a cappella performances that blend elements of traditional vocal techniques with contemporary R&B and pop influences.
Finding Nemo Jr.
Musical
April 20 – April 28
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Explore the big blue world with this lively new stage musical based on the beloved Pixar Film.
Ali Siddiq
Comedy Show
May 18, 7 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Ali’s unique stand-up style began behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for engaging experiences and good stories.
Buddy Guy
Blues Concert
June 29, 8 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Multi-Grammy Award-winning blues icon Buddy Guy celebrates his seventh Billboard #1 album; along with it, he bids farewell to extensive touring with the upcoming 2023 Damn Right Farewell Tour.
Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago
Concert
July 19, 7:30 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center (Anderson)
Two of the most successful and critically acclaimed bands of all time have announced the return of their renowned co-headlining tour.
Related Article: Midwest events and festivals
Cincinnatians can enjoy music nearly every night of the week. Visit our weekly list of things to do to see which arts centers, concert halls, auditoriums, and venues offer chamber, classical, philharmonic, orchestral, choral, folk, R&B, hip-hop, soul, or gospel music.
Cincinnati is also extremely fortunate that nationally known artists display their talents in the Queen City music scene. Touring acclaimed African-American artists, artistic directors, singers, music directors, and performers routinely visit.
See African-American instrumentalists play the violin concerto, cello, clarinet, piano, drums, and saxophone. Local symphony orchestras, string quartets, trios, duos, and soloists often perform music from Mozart, Brahms, and Mahler.
When purchasing tickets, ask the box office about exclusive deals, discount options, community performances, dress rehearsals, recitals, or same-day options. Some events will sell out quickly, so buy tickets while you can.
Related Article: Things to do this week in Black Cincinnati
Written by: Crystal Kendrick
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Cincinnati African American Events photo provided by © [Olesia Bilkei] /Adobe Stock
The information given was excellent this is a great forum for the people.